The dark-hued grape Saperavi was once the workhorse of the vast Soviet wine industry, used to make very sweet red wines. Robert Joseph tracks its fortunes.
Being known for a single grape variety can spell economic trouble if that grape falls out of fashion. So the New Zealanders are looking beyond Sauvignon Blanc, finds James Lawrence.
Valpolicella’s Ripasso has enjoyed runaway success in the Scandinavian markets, finds Michèle Shah. But as with all successful products, strong competition has appeared.
It’s a wine style that takes effort and attention to detail to make, yet which sells cheaply, and it’s an export winner than many call an underachiever. James Lawrence looks at what’s really happening with Cava.
Natural wine is one of the most controversial additions to the wine firmament. What is not in dispute is that its spiritual home is Paris, as Christian Holthausen explains.
Malbec, a classic grape from France, turns out to do thrillingly well in Argentina, putting that country on the world’s wine map, says Richard Woodard. And it all started around the barbecue.
After Gary Boom received bad service one too many times from wine merchants, he decided to shake up the market. Adam Lechmere speaks with the founder of the Bordeaux Index.
In the not-so-distant past, Montalcino was one of the poorest places in Tuscany. Today, finds Richard Woodard, the market can’t get enough of Brunello. He charts the transformation.
The ready-mixed wine cocktail is back on the shelves and it’s taking the market by storm. Robert Joseph looks at the new breed of fruit-flavoured wines and asks why they’re so appealing.
Greece’s ancient wine style has had a difficult few decades, as it has become synonymous with poor-quality wines. Yiannis Karakasis and Grigoris Michailos chart a quality revival.
A growing number of indigenous varieties are hitting the market. But while they offer new tastes, their unfamiliarity and unusual names can make them difficult to market. Richard Woodard takes a look.
